Un experts urge Mali to uphold political party rights
UN experts warn Mali against restricting political parties
A group of independent United Nations human rights experts has strongly criticized a recent decree suspending all political party activities in Mali until further notice, calling it a blatant violation of fundamental human rights.
In a joint statement, the UN experts demanded the immediate revocation of the decree, warning that a recently adopted draft law—approved by the Council of Ministers on April 30—would place Mali in direct breach of its international human rights obligations, particularly regarding freedom of association and expression.
The Malian government has defended its actions, claiming the dissolution of existing laws does not eliminate political parties but aims to curb their proliferation. However, the UN experts dismissed this justification, emphasizing that regulating party proliferation requires legitimate electoral reforms, such as registration tied to past electoral performance rather than imposing prohibitive financial deposits.
Consultations met with boycotts
The experts highlighted that the April 2025 consultations on revising the Political Parties Charter were neither inclusive nor transparent. They noted that opposition figures and independent journalists operate under severe constraints, fearing retaliation for exercising free speech. Several political parties boycotted the process, rightly suspecting the transitional authorities might use it to dissolve parties or restrict their activities.
The Council of Ministers also endorsed recommendations from the April consultations, including the extension of transitional leader General Assimi Goita’s presidency for an additional five years without elections. The experts condemned these proposals, stating they undermine Mali’s national and international commitments.
Urgent call to reject the draft law
The draft law is now under review by the National Transitional Council, chaired by General Malick Diaw. The UN experts urged the council to reject it outright, offering assistance to revise the legislation in line with international human rights standards.
Political parties have planned public protests for May 3 and 4, but claim supporters of the transitional authorities disrupted their gatherings violently. Additional demonstrations are scheduled for May 9. The experts stressed that peaceful assembly is vital for a thriving democracy and called on Malian authorities to respect this right without intimidation or repression.
*The experts involved are: Eduardo Gonzalez, Independent Expert on human rights in Mali; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression; and Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to peaceful assembly and association.
Note: Special Rapporteurs and Independent Experts are part of the UN’s Special Procedures, independent mechanisms that investigate and monitor human rights issues globally. They serve on a voluntary basis and are not UN staff or paid employees.